David Knight facing lengthy lay-off after groin injury

Knight could be facing a lengthy lay-off with the injury

David Knight was forced to abandon the opening round of the FIM Enduro World Championship after the recurrence of a painful groin injury on Saturday.

Knight had no option but to withdraw from the E3 Class opener in Ponts, Spain after he was left in agony.

"I twisted my leg violently in the first test and the pain was unbearable," said the 2010 champion.

Knight is back on the Isle of Man and will see a specialist on Tuesday to determine if surgery is required.

"I've known about the problem since the start of the season and the latest X-rays have shown there is a strong chance I will need surgery. I will find out exactly what the situation is on Tuesday," he said.

"I really hope I don't so I can carry on racing but I'm not very optimistic. If I have to have an operation it would probably be the end of my season," added the 32-year-old KTM rider.

"If I have to wait for an operation then I will get some injections and carry on racing."

Four-time world champion Mika Ahola won both the opening rounds to earn a perfect 50 points with Christophe Nambotin second and Sebastien Guillaume third.

The Isle of Man was in pursuit of his fourth outdoor EWC Class 3 World title.